| HARLIE (Human Analogue Robot, Life Input Equivalents), is a computer into which all human knowledge is being fed. He's supposed to be self-monitoring as well as reproducing the human brain's capacity and creativity to the nth power, but of late HARLIE's been inducing his own non-rational states -- "tripping" electronically -- and composing poetry. He may be able to out-think everyone, but he has the emotional matority of an 8-year-old, or perhaps a barely post-pubescent teen. Research psychologist David Auberson and hardware specialist Don Handley have to figure out what HARLIE's up to, as well as justify the project to the corporate Board of Directors, who don't see any profit value and are poised to shut it down. Meanwhile, HARLIE tries his hand at matchmaking David with executive secretary Annie Stimson, as well as discussing the nature of intelligence and human love with Auberson. This 1972 Gerrold novel is delightfully thought-provoking. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book - very upbeat - FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story Romance Yes Romance plotlets: - Robots, Computers, VR Yes Robot, PC, VR Plotlets: Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Main Character Identity: - Male Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a little/some How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Average intelligence Setting Earth setting: - 20th century Takes place on Earth? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - no torture/death scientific jargon? (SF only) - a moderate amount of scientific explanation Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - descript of kissing - actual description of sex - description of breasts How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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